He's small, furry and the kids love him.
Oreo the guinea pig is making a difference at St. Gregory School in the southwest.
The students in Kelly Calvert’s classroom have different learning needs, everything from Cerebral Palsy to Autism. Oreo comes to play throughout the day when anxiety levels rise and the kids lose focus.
Calvert says Oreo has a simple job - just sit quietly and let the kids pet him. According to Calvert it works and the Catholic School Board is noticing, "word is trickling around that this is a worthwhile thing to invest in."
Calvert says she looks at Oreo as a pet and another working teacher.
Calvert's classroom isn't the only place Oreo is needed; the school's Guidance Counselor and the specially trained guinea pig also make themselves available to students for one on one meetings and even group therapy.
Ellie Konicki, a student in grade 7, says Oreo has helped calm her down when she's been stressed about midterms and she says all her friends look forward to spending time with him.
Everyone does the best to make sure Oreo isn't overworked, giving him several breaks during the day, so he’s ready for when he's needed next.
